Work continues for Gilas Pilipinas after sweeping the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers as it eyes a tune-up game against China before flying to Serbia for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) starting on June 29.
National team head coach Tab Baldwin said China will remain in Clark, Pampanga as it gears up for the Canada leg of the OQT.
"[W]e're very hopeful that we might get a practice game against China, who are also staying here before they go to Canada for more preparations for themselves," Baldwin said.
The young Filipino crew needs all the experience it can gain before the OQT.
While the Philippines concluded the Asia Cup Qualifiers undefeated with an 82-77 victory over Korea on Sunday, June 20, it will go up against tougher competition in Serbia.
Gilas Pilipinas will face world No. 5 Serbia and No. 19 Dominican Republic in the group stage, with the top two advancing to the knockout round.
"[E]very game that we can get for these young men is extremely important and it will help us prepare," Baldwin said.
After failing to play in first two windows of the qualifiers, China – ranked No. 4 in Asia and No. 29 in the world – won its first three games in Clark.
"China is an elite Asian team. So if we get a chance to play against them, that'll be great for us," Baldwin said.
Baldwin said he will give his wards a one-day break before they resume their OQT buildup on Tuesday, June 22.